Inventing Scrooge uncovers the real-life inspirations from Charles Dickens’ own world that led to the fascinating creation of his most beloved tale: A Christmas Carol.
When Charles Dickens created the story that would become A Christmas Carol, little did he know that his “ghostly little book” would reinvent the way we celebrate Christmas. From a graveyard in Edinburgh to the Marshalsea Prison in London to his schoolboy years in Chatham and even his lifelong fascination with dance, so much of Dickens’ past and present are woven into the characters and themes of A Christmas Carol. And by understanding the story behind the story, readers will come to embrace the holiday classic all the more. To this day, we look to the Christmas season as a time of warmth and celebration among family, friends, and strangers alike. And every year at Christmastime, not only do our lives get better for all the festivity, but we get better, as people. Just like Ebenezer Scrooge.
Review
“An extensively researched and lively retelling of key moments in the creation of A Christmas Carol.” (Natalie McKnight, co-editor, Dickens Studies Annual)
“If, like me, you love Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, then you will also love this book. Inventing Scrooge tells the story behind the writing and reception of what Dickens called his "ghostly little book." Carlo DeVito has done his homework, carefully researching the history behind the writing and publishing of A Christmas Carol. He shares his findings in a delightful and engaging style, offering us a deeper understanding of the book and the man who wrote it. As a bonus, DeVito narrates scenes of Dickens reading his tale. These stories are guaranteed to engage your imagination and move your heart. I commend this book with enthusiasm and gratitude.” (Dr. Mark D. Roberts, H. E. Butt Family Foundation, author of Christmas According to Dickens)
“Meticulously researched, Inventing Scrooge is a fascinating peek through history and into the creative process of one of the world’s greatest storytellers. DeVito’s delightfully engaging tale is worthy of becoming a holiday tradition itself.” (Joelle Herr, author of Charles Dickens: The Complete Novels in One Sitting)
About the Author
Carlo DeVito is a longtime publishing executive, who has worked with many of the nation’s major historians. He is also the author of Mrs. Lee's Rose Garden and Inventing Scrooge. His work has been reviewed in the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, the Christian Science Monitor, and the Hartford Courant. Carlo lives with his family in Ghent, NY at the Hudson-Chatham Winery.
Description:
Inventing Scrooge uncovers the real-life inspirations from Charles Dickens’ own world that led to the fascinating creation of his most beloved tale: A Christmas Carol.
When Charles Dickens created the story that would become A Christmas Carol, little did he know that his “ghostly little book” would reinvent the way we celebrate Christmas. From a graveyard in Edinburgh to the Marshalsea Prison in London to his schoolboy years in Chatham and even his lifelong fascination with dance, so much of Dickens’ past and present are woven into the characters and themes of A Christmas Carol. And by understanding the story behind the story, readers will come to embrace the holiday classic all the more. To this day, we look to the Christmas season as a time of warmth and celebration among family, friends, and strangers alike. And every year at Christmastime, not only do our lives get better for all the festivity, but we get better, as people. Just like Ebenezer Scrooge.
Review
“An extensively researched and lively retelling of key moments in the creation of A Christmas Carol.” (Natalie McKnight, co-editor, Dickens Studies Annual)
“If, like me, you love Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, then you will also love this book. Inventing Scrooge tells the story behind the writing and reception of what Dickens called his "ghostly little book." Carlo DeVito has done his homework, carefully researching the history behind the writing and publishing of A Christmas Carol. He shares his findings in a delightful and engaging style, offering us a deeper understanding of the book and the man who wrote it. As a bonus, DeVito narrates scenes of Dickens reading his tale. These stories are guaranteed to engage your imagination and move your heart. I commend this book with enthusiasm and gratitude.” (Dr. Mark D. Roberts, H. E. Butt Family Foundation, author of Christmas According to Dickens)
“Meticulously researched, Inventing Scrooge is a fascinating peek through history and into the creative process of one of the world’s greatest storytellers. DeVito’s delightfully engaging tale is worthy of becoming a holiday tradition itself.” (Joelle Herr, author of Charles Dickens: The Complete Novels in One Sitting)
About the Author
Carlo DeVito is a longtime publishing executive, who has worked with many of the nation’s major historians. He is also the author of Mrs. Lee's Rose Garden and Inventing Scrooge. His work has been reviewed in the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, the Christian Science Monitor, and the Hartford Courant. Carlo lives with his family in Ghent, NY at the Hudson-Chatham Winery.